What is a Coyote Midwife? NEW Documentary - and you might see Heather!

'Coyote Midwives' is the culmination of the MFA thesis work of filmmaker Ellen Esling.

This documentary is about the birth workers who are leading alternative maternity care and reproductive justice in the state of Illinois. The film examines the medicalization of labor and delivery, the patriarchal norms that constitute a threat to a birthing parent’s health, and the structure in place to ensure that birth remains exclusively physician-controlled. Coyote Midwives captures the energy, spirit, and empowering potential of birth, the negotiation and compromise of “professionalizing” midwives, and the networks of black market, yet safe maternity care that persevere despite the illegalities.

I was so honored to be interviewed for this film! It's been such a huge part of my story - being a Certified Professional Midwife in Illinois, which currently does not offer a license to practice for CPMs. (Many of you are wondering - can I have a midwife or a homebirth in Chicago?)

YES!

All 50 states enable Certified NURSE Midwives (CNMs) to practice at home, birthcenter or hospital.

33 states (35 by the end of 2018) have CPMs providing care. The State of Washington did a cost savings study in 2008 finding that "the savings to the healthcare system in Washington is over $2.7 million."

Attend the screening! July 8th at 4 pm in southern Illinois
This is a free event and is open to the public. Doors open at 3:30. Show starts at 4. Concessions are available in the lobby.